A Meta-Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Technologies Use and Loneliness: Examining the Influence of Physical Embodiment, Age Differences, and Effect Direction

Recent research has investigated the connection between artificial intelligence (AI) utilization and feelings of loneliness, yielding inconsistent outcomes. This meta-analysis aims to clarify this relationship by synthesizing data from 47 relevant studies across 21 publications. Findings indicate a generally significant positive correlation between AI use and loneliness (r = 0.163, p < 0.05). Specifically, interactions with physically embodied AI are marginally significantly associated with decreased loneliness (r = -0.266, p = 0.088), whereas engagement with physically disembodied AI is significantly linked to increased loneliness (r = 0.352, p < 0.001). Among older adults (aged 60 and above), AI use is significantly positively associated with loneliness (r = 0.352, p < 0.001), while no significant correlation is observed (r = 0.039, p = 0.659) in younger individuals (aged 35 and below). Furthermore, by incorporating positive attitudes toward AI, the study reveals that the influence of AI use in exacerbating loneliness outweighs the reverse impact, although both directions show significant positive relationships. These results enhance the understanding of how AI usage relates to loneliness and provide practical insights for addressing loneliness through AI technologies.